Photographer's Note

Carnevale time a few years ago on Riva degli Schiavoni in Venice. You'd be hard-pressed to take a bad photograph in a place like this, and with masked revellers all over the place too, I didn't know where to look next. These two looked photogenic enough, and knew just where to pose for maximum effect, with the Basin of St Mark, gondolas and the Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore behind them. Needless to say, I wasn't the only one there snapping away!

I tried to critique this earlier but for some reason lost it!
This is like the scene from a film set. You have captured the revellers perfectly and have positioned them strongly in the frame, giving us the opportunity to link their colours with the b/g. The tall tower is a plus, giving good linkage and balance. It would have been so easy to lose it behind the two figures.

Hi Will,
I know Venice must be very photogenic, but there is something about these masks that gives the city some character above all else, something about it's culture, and it must be an interesting time to visit. I like the light, and a nice composition.
Cheers
Justin

What a great shot. As you say not difficult to do with such interesting subjects obliging you. The complementary colours of the outfits that balance well with the blues of the gondola's and sky creating a pleasing harmony to the shot. The depth created by the Chiesa in the background relative to the frame filling subjects in the FG.

Could you have asked for a better setting to photograph the Carnevale, right in front of the San Maggiore? You've positioned your models perfectly, allowing us to not only enjoy their poise and their beautiful costumes, but also that spectacular scenery in the background. Excellent, vibrant colours, beautifully restrained and great definition. A stunning shot, can't believ you've been hiding it away fro so long!

Hello Will,
I see you had two lovely ambassadors to welcome you and invite you to the Carnival. Venice's most famous landmarks are clearly visible in this picture. All the elements are nicely placed in the frame, and come together to form a harmonious whole and a good balanced composition. Very well done.
Kind regards,
Christian

Congratulations for this one, you've managed to have masked persons and the Venice background (gondolas and campanile of the church) at the same time in a well arranged picture, with mainly 2 colors: blue and yellow.
Cheers
CLODO

I saw this one the other day but didn't have time to leave a real comment then, Will. This is a great image and a wonderful celebratory mood. We toss around the term 'postcard' a lot here, but this fits the bill in a really positive sense of the word - a beautiful image that highlights the best of a place. From the golden sunset light to the gondolas and of course the brightly costumed figures, it creates a sense of Venice here as peaceful and historical, but also lively and artistic. Really nicely done.